The reptile-like fish

When speaking of the moray eel, reference is made to a group of fish that closely resemble reptiles. There are about 200 species that are different in size and color. However, they have many characteristics in common.

These fish have an elongated and muscular body, similar to that of a snake. The dorsal fin goes from the head and runs through the whole body until it joins the tail, which ends up being slightly flattened. The snout is elongated, the eyes large and the mouth with pronounced teeth.

Fun facts

• The moray eel is secretive and spends most of its time hiding in holes, crevices, and rocks. But many species are dangerous and aggressive, and can quickly cause serious injury.
• They are frequently found in cold waters. Coral reefs are the place where there is the largest population of moray eels.
• There are eels of various colors, including: white, orange, blue, green, yellow, brown, gray and black. These shades are presented in the form of spots, stripes or patterns of varying complexity.
• They have a pale face, compared to the body, this allows them to better avoid predators.
• It is a carnivorous animal and feeds on other fish, molluscs and crustaceans.
• Their physical structure is different from that of common fish, they do not have fins in the pectoral and pelvic area as it happens with the rest of the fish.
• The smallest eel, known under the name of Snyder, measures at most 10.5 cm. While the longest species, the Slender Giant, can reach up to 4 meters. There is also the Giant Moray, which is the heaviest, with a length of 3 m and a weight of 30 kg.
• There are species of moray eel that are fished for use as food. Others are used as tourist attractions in large aquariums.